Human beings are social animals. Research has demonstrated the importance of building and maintaining a social network as being one of the most important indexes of mental health. It is also protective against negative aspects of the aging process. But social comfort is not evenly distributed. Social role modeling from parents and older siblings, growing…
In her revolutionary and creative book, Mindset; The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck pointed out how some people acquire a Fixed Mindset – believing that they have very little control over the direction of their lives, while others develop a Growth Mindset – recognizing that their efforts play a huge role in how their…
The research is really very clear. Health, longevity, and happiness are associated with staying active intellectually and socially, maintaining a positive attitude, and especially with keeping oneself physically fit. In 2003, Dr. James Fries identified four physical health habits that are protective against disability. In fact, individuals who do not smoke, drink only moderately, follow…
A few years ago, when I came up with the concept of the Type P Personality, I identified 5 P’s – or sets of behavior, all beginning with the letter P – that I had found to be associated with emotional health. Based on my experience in working with people over the years, I found…
I’m writing this blog while waiting to go out for Father’s Day dinner with my family, and I have last year’s Father’s Day on my mind, as I have had every day since then – because I have an ongoing reminder on my wrist. My wife, children, and grandchildren pooled their resources and got me…
When one looks at all of the great achievements in the world – intellectual, technical, scientific, artistic, athletic, and humanitarian – it appears obvious that humans are conditioned in the direction of achievement. While opportunities to achieve are limited for some people because of where they live and/or because of experiences that have interfered with…
As I begin to work on updating my e-book, WHAT CAN GO RIGHT? The Thinking Person’s Guide to Making Good Things Happen, I’m noticing one important message that I neglected to include in the original version. I’ve been very proud to have helped so many readers who have changed their mode of thinking after reading the…
One of the questions that I typically ask my new therapy patients is, “When was the best time in your life?” Almost everybody can identify a best time. It may not have been objectively great or even a time to which a patient may want to return, but it was generally positive and memorable. It’s…
During one of the forms of relaxation training that I teach my patients, I ask them to picture themselves in a relaxing scene that has personal meaning to them, and I ask them to experience with all of their senses. While that is often an effective exercise that leads to a relaxed state, it often…
Activity is a cure for many ills. It is difficult to be active and depressed. It is difficult to be active and lonely. It is difficult to be active and obese. It is easier to be active and healthy. It is easier to be active and positive. It is easier to accomplish things when you…
Some time ago, I developed the concept of “Competent Person’s Disease” which I consider synonymous with being addicted to 2nd place. Over time, I have become increasingly convinced of this phenomenon – which I consider to be one of the most self-limiting behavior patterns that I observe. A major problem with being addicted to 2nd…